India is proud of its diaspora, who are located at a variety of places all over the world. They are doing extremely well, contributing not only to the development of the nations where they live, but also enhancing the image of India and strengthening inter-cultural relationships and dialogue.
The Singapore based Global Indian Foundation (GIF) was an excellent initiative launched by non-resident Indians under the guidance and leadership of the late Dr. L.M. Singhvi, whose contributions in this, and many other fields, will always be remembered always. He worked ceaselessly for implementing the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, and to ensure that our diaspora were entitled to the Overseas Citizenship of India with its implications.
The Foundation’s Global Indian International Schools (GIIS) in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand are providing excellent International and Indian education.
The Global Indian Cultural Centres are helping to preserve the values of our rich and vibrant Indian culture. Apart from preserving these values it is important to instill them in our children, who will be the torchbearers of the future; and share these with children of other nationalities studying at our schools.
I am pleased that GIIS schools are also promoting “Gandhian values and thoughts” through their Mahatma Gandhi centres. The Vice-President of our Foundation, Justice (Retd.) C.S. Dharmadhikari, who was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, has played a great role in this.
On the occasion of the official opening of GIIS Balestier campus, our 14th school in Asia and the 3rd school in Singapore, I send to all the students, parents and the management my very best wishes and heartiest congratulations.
Prof. M.G.K. Menon
President
Global Indian Foundation
Global Indian International Schools
September 2007
GIIS started in September 2002 and now has grown to 17 schools with 17000 children. The Global Indian Foundation and its Global Indian Schools have become a symbol of pride for Indian Education abroad. The main thrust of the Global Indian Foundation has been to advance education and research for knowledge.
The GIIS schools represent the quest for excellence in learning and have emerged as leading schools combining the best education practices of USA, UK, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore with the Indian education.
In Japan, GIIS schools are sought after by Japanese students, so much so that Government of Yokohama has invited GIIS to setup a school in city of Yokohama. Singapore government invited GIIS to setup schools in Singapore. Malaysian leaders invited GIIS to establish schools in Malaysia.
And this did not stop just abroad. Indian Public Sector’s leading company BHEL or Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited, invited GIIS to co-manage their school in Trichy, and Government of Gujarat invited GIIS to co-manage a Tribal School bear Baroda.
The non-profit Global Indian Foundation thus aims to extend its expertise to education entrepreneurs through the Co-Managed school programme, such that together we create world class schools. The education partners will increase the supply of such new high-quality schools contributing to the momentum of significant improvements within the existing education systems.
By redefining our sense of what is possible in international education, we believe these education partners have the potential to spark dramatic changes in high quality education so that our students are successfully prepared for college, career and global citizenship.
Prof. M.G.K. Menon
President, Global Indian Foundation
Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Delhi